A fearlessly fabulous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade took place Saturday March 3, with an estimated 500,000 spectators lining the streets and on the rooftops and balconies of Oxford Street to cheer on over 12,500 marchers taking part in the world's biggest celebration of the LGBTQI community.
Mardi Gras' 2019 theme was "Fearless," a poignant acknowledgment of the way LGBTQI people across the globe courageously express who they are. The theme "Fearless" was taken up as a call to action by many of the floats in the Parade, calling on the LGBTQI community to be strong, live brave, be proud and celebrate fearlessly.
Reflecting on the Parade, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Terese Casu said "People from all around Australia came together on this glittering night to witness a colorful spectacle of protest and celebration.
"In total there were 197 groups represented in the 2019 Mardi Gras Parade, sharing a stunning array of creative concepts, with many incorporating the Mardi Gras theme "Fearless".
"And of course, having LGBTQI icon Kylie Minogue join us for a special parade tribute on Taylor Square, complete with 45 Kylie Minogue dancers and drag queens, was a highlight that many will remember," said Casu.
This year's Party, Australia's biggest LGBTQI party of the year, featured 10 live shows, 20 DJ's and five dance spaces. The three main dance spaces were given a makeover to create three totally different immersive worlds in which everyone could come together to dance, play, and be fearless.
Artists who performed at The Party included international pop star Kim Petras, Jake Shears (of Scissor Sisters), Leiomy Maldonado, and local legends PNAU, Courtney Act, Paul Capsis, HANDSOME, and Briefs.
On the eve of the 41st annual Parade, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras also announced that their bid to secure the hosting rights for WorldPride 2023 had received a $192,000 funding boost from the NSW Government.
A successful bid would see Sydney become the first destination in the Southern Hemisphere to host WorldPride, the marquee international lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) pride event.
WorldPride 2023 would coincide with the 45th anniversary of the first Mardi Gras Parade.
The 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade was proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
Thanks to Cori Mitchell Photography for the great photos here.
